Tingley Library makes plea to community

The Tingley Memorial Library in Bradenton Beach was given a permanent home in 1986 thanks to a generous donation. Now, 40 years after Beluah Tingley bequeathed her estate to the city with instructions to use the funds to expand the library, the building Tingley funded the construction of needs renovations and the community’s help.

“Today, while the building remains structurally sound, hurricane damage and Florida’s climate have created an urgent need for major repairs beyond our current means,” a letter from the library’s board reads. “We’re asking for your help.”

Repairs needed to the 2,800 square-foot building across from City Hall include replacing the HVAC system, front stairs, back stairs and accessibility ramp. 

“With these improvements, the library's dedicated volunteers and part-time staff member(s) can continue connecting readers with books, preserving local history and hosting community programs,” the letter states. “Contributors will be recognized on the library’s donor wall.”

Tingley Library Director Stephanie Katz said repair costs are estimated at $230,000. The library does not receive public funding, operating solely on donations from the community. 

Donations can either be mailed to the library at 111 Second Street N. or made online at zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/repair-tingley-library.

The Tingley Memorial Library is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.